I don't have 2 tickets to Paradise, however. I'm pretty sure I would have used them if I had em.
My really nifty wooden branch buttons arrived last week. I love them, but sadly, they are too big for the button placket and spacing I've already knit for Amanda. (That'll teach me to buy the buttons after I knit the placket.) Anyway, I have ordered replacements, which are smaller, and a sort of bronze-y hammered metal that I think will work very well, and I'll save the branch buttons for another sweater. Not like I'm not knitting a bunch of them this year!
So, with that decision made, and the buttons still en route (the shop proprietor was at a trade show this week), I'm calling the sweater done with a capital "D", and I'll update with a buttons-added post when they do finally arrive.
PROJECT SPECS:
Pattern: Amanda from Lisa Lloyd's A Fine Fleece. I didn't make any adjustments to this pattern and it fits me perfectly. People with a normal torso length are probably going to want to knit more body rows than I did. It's kind of a short bomber-style jacket. I have seen some other very nice more fitted ones with waist shaping added and/or a longer length, but I like this style/length on me. I adore the shawl collar.
Yarn: Beaverslide Dry Goods Merino in colorway Dusty Clover. I only used 5 skeins for this - which is a pretty darnk good bargain (a sweater for about 40 bucks). I only have nice things to say about this yarn. It is squooshy and comfortable and feels like a nice long hug at the end of a bad day.
Needles: US size 5 and 7 circulars and DPNs (for the sleeves).
Mods: None.
Overall Thoughts: I think this is going to be another staple in my wardrobe. It is nice and warm, and fits me similarly to my Central Park Non-Hoodie, which I am already wearing to death.
Here's a detail shot of the raglan sleeve shaping and the shawl collar for you, which also, I think, shows the colorway of the yarn off really well.
I've got work coverage this weekend, and I am in the home stretch to finish up the dyeing for the SIL Club packages. We are going to try to start the horse boys on their 4-a-week training cycle this weekend as well, but at least someone is getting some quality time in with my knitting.
All for now....
PS - Typepad? I'd really like my categories back. I know you are working on it, but like molasses in winter, I tell ya.
I love the color and texture!
Posted by: Kris | February 20, 2009 at 04:38 AM
Love Amanda! It's a great looking sweater, but I love the yarn so, so much...that color and heather can't be beat.
Posted by: margene | February 20, 2009 at 05:56 AM
Love Amanda! It's great seeing the projects!
Yeah, and typepad, I want my comments posted. ;-)
Posted by: Cathy | February 20, 2009 at 07:19 AM
Bee YOO T ful! Have fun with the boys this weekend. I spent some quality time with CC, curry comb, shedding blade and brushes yesterday. CC looked great. Me? Yeah, pretty hairy.
Posted by: Chris | February 20, 2009 at 07:28 AM
Amazing! You are rolling right through the year so far!
Amanda looks great on you, very nice!
Posted by: Nancy | February 20, 2009 at 08:17 AM
So pretty! That color is amazing. I've not tried beaverslid yet (I know, poor me!) but I think I'll like it when I do. I can definately see that sweater getting a lot of wear.
Posted by: katie | February 20, 2009 at 08:19 AM
Amanda looks wonderful - and I'm glad someone is getting in some knitting time. It sure isn't me lately.
Posted by: Cheryl S. | February 20, 2009 at 08:40 AM
That looks fabulous! Don't you buy any more of their yarn, until after I've had my choice ;-)
Posted by: Marina | February 20, 2009 at 10:05 AM
What a wonderful cozy sweater! Love the color! You and Margene are wearing me down with the blog posts showing fabulous sweaters knit with Beaverslide. Now if only I could decide which delicious color to get, I'd order some of my own!
Posted by: Margaret | February 20, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Oh she came out gorgeous! I am about 6 inches in to the torso now. I am going to have to try me some Beaverslide, that's all I can say...
Posted by: Liz | February 20, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Funny, I was just thinking this morning that 14" for the torso may not be enough and I should really add another inch, I believe I will! I'll repeat myself from yesterday - LOVE the sweater! It's a great color!
Posted by: elizabeth | February 20, 2009 at 02:27 PM
That is beautiful Anne! The texture of pattern and yarn, the colors in the yarn....and it looks so cozy to wear.
Posted by: Toby | February 20, 2009 at 02:48 PM
That's a beautiful sweater! Isn't it cheating to call it done before buttons? No mods is unusual.
Posted by: Laurie | February 20, 2009 at 07:17 PM
Wow! I do love a somewhat cropped sweater. So flattering. And Amanda looks nice and warm, to boot. Nicely done!
Posted by: Sheepish Annie | February 21, 2009 at 04:10 PM
sheesh! You are flying through these. Looks great. More shots of the collar please.
Posted by: Judy | February 21, 2009 at 08:05 PM
Looks terrific! Perfect fit!
Easy to see why it could easily become a staple....
Posted by: cyndy | February 22, 2009 at 06:03 AM
Wow - that finished up really nice! Fits perfect. Did you have to increase the length of the sleeves?
Posted by: Christina Scovel | February 23, 2009 at 07:28 AM
amanda looks good - I was browsing Fine Fleece last night and eyeing my stash. The ride loops looks wonderful.
Posted by: marylou | February 24, 2009 at 07:41 AM
I really love how this sweater turned out! Looks fabulous Anne!
Posted by: Karen | February 25, 2009 at 12:48 PM